Sheila Dikshit takes jibe at Modi, says Delhi better than Gujarat

Taking a dig at Gujarat Chief Minister and the BJP’s Prime Ministerial candidate Narendra Modi, Delhi chief minister Sheila Dikshit on Sunday termed Delhi’s development model as much better than that of his state.

“The highest per capita income in Delhi is one shining example of our claim. The quality of life and infrastructure in the capital city is being praised all across the world, whereas large number of persons in the western state of Gujarat still lack basic amenities,” said Dikshit at an annual function of Shiva Co-operative Thrift and Credit Society at Kirari, near Nangloi.

Dikshit cautioned voters not to get carried away by the false promises of the opposition parties, like those being made by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).

Criticising Modi further, she said: “The Congress government is caring and sharing. We at least do not propagate and promote hatred and division”.

The chief minister said while her government releases equal funds to all the MLAs irrespective of their party affiliation, the Kirari area, which has a BJP MLA, Anil Jha, has remained neglected.

“I wonder why Kirari remained neglected, my government would certainly remove this disparity,” she added.

Highlighting the achievements of her party, she said that Delhi can boast of having around 24 institutions of higher education, including six state-level universities commissioned by the government.

“The percentage of girls’ enrolment is higher in Delhi than a number of other states. Ours is a prosperous and developed state as we have ensured rapid development along with prosperity. We provide monthly pension up to `1,500 to the aged, widows and differently abled. Is there any other state government providing a similar amount? Dikshit asked.

Referring to the steps taken to empower women, she said her government had provided a reservation of 50 percent seats in the civic bodies for women.

“We were the first to do this in the country. We are still committed to develop all parts of the capital city uniformly,” she said.